Sweating more or feeling hotter than usual may be due to medicine, hormonal changes or may be a symptom of an underlying condition of health.
Continue reading to learn more about the possible causes of unusually hot feeling, along with other signs to look out for, and potential treatment options.
Side effects of medication
Most drugs can make humans feel hotter than usual. Enhanced or severe sweating in the following categories might be a side effect of some drugs:
- pain relief
- antibiotics and antivirals
- heart and blood pressure medication
- chemotherapy
- topical and oral skin treatments
- hormonal medication
- gastrointestinal medication
- medications for the head and neck, such as Sudafed
- immunosuppressants
- neuropsychiatric medication
- eye medication
- lung medication
- urologic medication
When people experience serious side effects from any drug they are taking, they should talk with their doctor about other choices. A doctor may reduce the dosage, or recommend an alternative.
Stress or anxiety
When people feel stressed or anxious they can experience some physical reactions in the body. This can be because the body becomes more aware of potential threats or dangers and plans for action.
People may sweat more, feel hotter than usual, or flush themselves in the face. Could include other symptoms:
- increased pulse
- dry mouth
- excessive worry
- shaking or trembling
- difficulty sleeping
- inability to relax
When people find pain, or anxiety affects their daily lives, they can see a doctor for advice. A doctor may refer people to a psychologist or counselor. Therapies may be helpful, such as talking therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis is a disorder in which individuals can not sweat. It can affect most or only tiny areas of the body.
Anhidrosis can cause people to feel unusually hot, as sweating is necessary to cool down the body and avoid overheating.
People may experience anhidrosis when they feel a lack of sweating while exercising or when it’s hot.
A doctor can conduct a sweat test to see if an anhidrosis is present in someone. This test uses a powder that changes color to show how much the body sweats. Taking a skin sample, or biopsy, may help to diagnose anhidrosis as well.
Medication can vary, depending on what anhidrosis is causing. If the disease affects only a small portion of the body, people may not require treatment.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which can cause people all over their bodies to feel pain. It can also influence how one reacts to different temperatures, so that people may feel heat effects or greater temperature extremes.
Other fibromyalgia signs also include:
- pain, aching, burning, or stabbing feelings in multiple areas
- extreme sensitivity to pain or light touch
- muscle stiffness
- fatigue
Treatment can include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients can experience paroxysmal signs. These are bursts of symptoms which can happen very quickly, and often last only a few seconds or minutes. Signs will reoccur all day long.
One symptom could include changes in temperature and sensation that are unusually hot, which people might call a hot flash.
Other symptoms of the paroxysms may include:
- stabbing or burning sensation on one side of the face
- itching, numb, or tingling sensation on the skin
- a feeling resembling an electric shock down the spine
- shooting pains in the arms or legs
- spasms
- vision problems
- slurred speech
- lack of coordination
Keeping a diary of when symptoms arise should help people determine which causes may cause them. People can then take steps wherever possible to avoid or reduce certain causes.
After a few months, paroxysmal symptoms sometimes stop. When people find symptoms greatly affect their daily lives, they can talk with their doctor about the options for treatment.
Diabetes mellitus
Individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can feel the heat effects more. Diabetes will damage the blood vessels and nerves, influencing the sweat glands. It ensures that the body can not cool as quickly as it normally does.
People with diabetes can become more quickly dehydrated, too. High temperatures affect the way insulin is used by the body, which can mean that people with diabetes need to test their blood sugar levels more often.
To avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke it is important for people with diabetes to be mindful of overheating or becoming dehydrated.
People can look after the hot weather by remaining in the shade during the hottest part of the day and wearing loose clothing. It is also important that you drink plenty of water and keep any medicine nearby and in a cool place.
Age
Temperature is more likely to affect people age 65 and over. The ability of the body to adjust to sudden changes in temperature becomes less effective with people ageing.
Older adults are more likely to have a medical condition which affects how the body responds to heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They may also take prescription medicines that affect how the body regulates temperature or sweating Staying in cool, shady places, drinking plenty of water and wearing loose clothes can all help the body stay cool in the heat.
People should seek medical attention immediately if they show signs of heat-related illness, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- muscle cramps
- headaches
Overactive thyroid
Getting an overactive thyroid gland also known as hyperthyroidism will constantly make people feel sticky.
Hyperthyroidism occurs where too much thyroid hormone is released by the thyroid gland. The disorder can affect how temperature is controlled in the body. Persons can sweat more than normal too.
Other hyperthyroid signs include:
- fatigue
- irregular menstrual periods
- brittle hair
- thin skin
- unexplained weight loss
A doctor can usually diagnose hyperthyroidism through the medical history of a individual, a physical examination, and laboratory testing for thyroid function.
Antithyroid medication can help inhibit thyroid hormone production in the thyroid gland.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time when the body changes into menopause. Most people in their mid to late 40’s would experience this.
People may experience hot flashes during the time of perimenopause. Hot flashes can cause someone in their upper body to feel hot, which can also cause red or blotchy patches on the skin.
Other Perimenopausal signs include:
- irregular periods
- periods may last longer or be shorter than usual
- heavier or lighter periods than usual
People are able to monitor their phases and signs to help them know whether they are in perimenopause. Perimenopause will average last 4 years.
Menopause
Menopause is a shift in hormones which means a person ceases to have cycles and can not become pregnant anymore. Most women achieve menopause between the ages of 45–58.
The hot flashes can make people feel hotter than usual. Drinking cold water, taking off clothing fabrics, or using a fan or cold compress can all help to reduce hot flash strength.
Other menopausal symptoms can include:
- difficulty sleeping
- mood swings and irritability
- vaginal dryness
- uncomfortable or painful sex
- less interest in sex
People might find that taking hormone therapy helps in relieving symptoms. Hormone therapy substitutes for the hormones that the ovaries stop producing during menopause. People can discuss solutions with their doctor that might work for them.
Summary
It’s normal to feel heavy in warm areas, hot weather or during exercise and sweating is an necessary body reaction to keep it cool.
When people feel hot all the time, or sweat more than normal, that could be a symptom of an underlying problem.
Some medications, hormone changes, and some health conditions can all cause an person to sweat more or feel hotter than usual.
People should monitor their symptoms and see their physician to find out what might cause them to feel hot. Treating the underlying cause tends to alleviate symptoms.
